5-Day Big Five Safari- Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater

5 Days

Overview

This 5-day Big Five safari explores Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The journey focuses on Big Five sightings, endless savannah landscapes, and rich wildlife encounters, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.

Designed for comfort and adventure, this safari offers guided game drives with experienced professionals who track wildlife and explain the ecosystem in detail. Expect immersive safari experiences, scenic landscapes, and well-selected midrange lodges close to nature for a true African adventure.

Itinerary

Arrival in Arusha, where your professional safari guide will meet and brief you about the journey ahead. After a short introduction, you begin your drive toward Serengeti National Park, passing through scenic highlands and rural landscapes.

As you enter the Serengeti, the safari experience begins immediately. Your first game drive introduces you to the vast plains filled with wildlife such as giraffes, elephants, zebras, and antelopes. Predators like lions may also be spotted resting or hunting, depending on the time of day.

The afternoon game drive continues deeper into the park, offering your first real taste of the Serengeti ecosystem. The endless open plains create perfect visibility for wildlife photography and observation.

In the evening, you arrive at your tented camp, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and listen to the sounds of the wild. This marks the beginning of your authentic African safari experience.

Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Tented Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Today is dedicated to a full exploration of Serengeti National Park. After an early breakfast, you head out for a morning game drive when wildlife is most active. This is the best time to see predators such as lions and cheetahs hunting or moving across the plains.

Your guide tracks animal movements and takes you to different regions of the park depending on wildlife activity. Expect large herds of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, and giraffes, along with birds and smaller species that complete the ecosystem.

A picnic lunch is served in a scenic bush location, allowing you to enjoy nature without interruption. After lunch, continue with afternoon game drives exploring new areas and searching for more Big Five sightings.

By sunset, return to your camp for relaxation and dinner under the stars. The sounds of the wilderness create an unforgettable safari atmosphere.

Accommodation: Serengeti Acacia Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another full day in Serengeti National Park, focusing on deeper wildlife exploration. The Serengeti’s vast landscapes allow you to experience different ecosystems, from river valleys to open plains.

Morning game drives offer chances to see predators in action or resting after a hunt. Your guide uses experience and communication with other rangers to locate wildlife hotspots.

Midday is spent enjoying a bush picnic or returning briefly to camp for relaxation. The afternoon game drive continues across new territories, increasing your chances of spotting rare animals such as leopards or hyenas.

The Serengeti is also a paradise for photographers, with golden light and dramatic scenery throughout the day.

Evening brings relaxation at your camp, where you enjoy dinner and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Thorn Tree Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti as you slowly exit the park. This is your last chance to spot wildlife in this incredible ecosystem.

You then travel toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, passing scenic landscapes and rural villages. The environment gradually changes from open savannah to lush green hills.

Upon arrival near Ngorongoro Crater, you check in at your lodge and relax. The cooler highland climate offers a refreshing change from the Serengeti heat.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and prepare for the highlight of your safari—the Ngorongoro Crater game drive.

Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. The crater floor is home to an incredible concentration of animals, including the Big Five.

During your game drive, expect to see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebras, and possibly the rare black rhino. The compact ecosystem makes wildlife viewing highly rewarding within a short time.

After a picnic lunch near a hippo pool, you ascend the crater and begin your return journey to Arusha for departure.

Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included & Excluded

  • Midrange lodges as specified
  • All park fees and crater entry fees
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with guide
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • All meals during safari
  • Drinking water in a vehicle
  • Airport transfers
  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities (balloon safari, cultural visits)
  • Tips and personal expenses

Frequent Asked Question

5-Day Big Five Safari- Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater